Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/515487
www.CTGreenGuide.com SUMMER 2015 • Connecticut Green Guide 13 to the market, thus lowering the cost of RECs and, at the same time, providing much needed funding to renewable energy projects. However, it is expected that most of these projects will be developed outside of Connecticut due to the state's comparatively high cost of development and regulatory obstacles related to large-scale wind. While a regional approach to increase the availabil- ity of Class I RECs in New England is being welcomed by industry participants, advocates are encouraging Connecticut to take steps to increase home-grown Class I RECs in the state through more programs that encour- age larger-scale photovoltaic projects and expanding Class I RECs to include thermal energy projects, as New Hampshire and Massachusetts have done. The draft tri-state procurement proposal received more than 150 comments, so the next few months should bear careful scrutiny on what is taking place in New England's renewable energy markets. Brad Mondschein practices in the area of alternative energy, regulated industries, and technology law for Hartford law firm Pullman & Comley. (Above) Connecticut is home to two fuel cell manufacturers, but (below) has had a difficult time getting in-state wind farms because of resource and regulatory issues. PHOTOS | HBJ FILE Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. CAMP15CTGG Find energy solutions for your business. Visit EnergizeCT.com Or Call 877-WISE-USE "We need to stay competitive in the food services business, and Energize CT allows us to do that with ease." Dave Petrone, Owner/Manager, Riverview Bistro Riverview Bistro, on the banks of the scenic Housatonic,increased its energy efficiency and significantly reduced its operating costs – with technical advice and financial support from Energize Connecticut's Small Business Energy Advantage Program. On advice from program engineers, Riverview incorporated several energy-saving measures, including new refrigeration and motor controls and a complete lighting overhaul featuring LEDs. The lighting upgrades alone translate to an estimated $13,749 annual savings. A gener- ous incentive from the Energy Efficiency Fund, including 0% on-bill financing, made Riverview's energy efficiency upgrades possible. Project: Riverview Bistro Measures: Interior, exterior lighting & signage converted to LED; new HVAC programmable thermostats; new controls for refrigeration evaporator fans & new electronically commuta- tive motors; new hot water spray valves & aerators in kitchen. Fund Incentive: $30,240 Energy Savings: 75,690 kWh electricity/year 125 ccf natural gas/year Cost Savings: $13,749 annually